DUP backing rights of the unborn child

DUP backing rights of the unborn child

13 April 2022

DUP South Down Assembly election candidate Diane Forsythe says she is committed to fighting for the rights of the unborn child and fighting to convince others that they should too. 

Mrs Forsythe said she was proud to be a DUP representative and a member of a party that “gives a strong voice to the pro-life position and fights for it loud and proud both in government and in our communities”. 

She continued: “The DUP have unreservedly fought for this repeatedly and saved the lives of children in Northern Ireland for years,” continued Mrs Forsythe.

“It was a disgrace to watch the cheers in the streets of Sinn Fein representatives as abortion was legalised in the Republic of Ireland. When Sinn Fein blocked Stormont for three years, the party got what it wanted — legalising abortion in Northern Ireland too via direct rule.”

Mrs Forsythe said DUP representatives had fought hard against the imposition of abortion in Northern Ireland, bringing legislation to try to stop terminations for non-fatal disabilities up to 40 weeks term. 

But she said this was narrowly rejected by 45 to 42 votes which meant that unborn children with conditions like Down’s Syndrome had no time limit on termination.

“It was shocking to see this and voters should be clear on how their local candidates would vote on this issue going forward. UUP, Alliance and SDLP don’t hold a party position on this issue, leaving this as a matter for individuals’ conscience.The other parties have positions and the DUP is clearly pro-life.”

She said the party’s outgoing South Down MLA Jim Wells has been a dedicated Pro-Life advocate for decades and is proud to be taking forward the local DUP representation on this issue. 

Mrs Forsythe added: “You can count on the DUP to fight for the rights of the unborn child.”